In Minnesota as of 2025, there is no statewide rent control—meaning, outside of cities with their own policies, landlords can raise rents by any amount, provided they comply with notice requirements and do not act out of retaliation or discrimination. Two major cities—Saint Paul and Minneapolis—have considered or enacted local ordinances that affect rent increases, and the state has rolled out significant new tenant protections.
Statewide Regulations and Notices:
For most renters in Minnesota, landlords must provide written notice before increasing rent:
- For rent increases under 10%, landlords must give tenants at least 30 days’ written notice.
- For increases of 10% or more, 60 days’ written notice is required.
- Rent can usually only be increased at the end of a lease term, unless your lease specifically allows mid-term increases.
- On month-to-month agreements, a rent increase requires a minimum of one full rental period’s written notice.
Rent increases are prohibited if they are retaliatory or discriminatory—for example, if a landlord tries to raise rent because you exercised your rights or because of your race, gender, or another protected status. These protections are enforced under state and federal law.
Local Rent Controls:
- Saint Paul: There is a citywide rent stabilization ordinance that currently limits annual rent increases to 3% for most units within a 12-month period. Exceptions exist if landlords can show that a greater increase is necessary for a “reasonable return on investment.” Recent updates include a 20-year exemption for new constructions and a proposed exemption for buildings built after 2004.
- Minneapolis: While voters approved a measure allowing the city council to regulate rent, as of August 2025, no rent control ordinance has been enacted. Rent increases here remain governed by statewide notice rules, but this could change as city policies evolve.
Major 2025 Tenant Protections in Minnesota:
- Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who organize, report code issues, or request repairs.
- Tenant associations and collective organizing are explicitly protected.
- Security deposit and pet-related fee disclosure requirements have been strengthened.
- Screening practices now limit denial based on some prior or expunged evictions.
- For new construction delays, landlords must provide timely notice and alternatives to affected renters.
- Shared utility billing is more tightly regulated, with new rules for notice and transparency.
What Tenants Should Do:
- Always check your local laws—especially if you live in Saint Paul or Minneapolis.
- Ask for written notice of any rent increase: Ensure it matches the required notice period.
- Review your lease: Some fixed-term leases contain clauses about allowed increases or procedures.
- Report violations: If you suspect retaliation, discrimination, or improper notice, seek legal assistance, or contact local tenant advocacy groups.
Stay informed by regularly reviewing the Minnesota Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Guide, as cities are now required to provide easy access to this information online to both landlords and tenants.
While Minnesota does not cap rent increases statewide (except in Saint Paul), tenants have strong protections regarding notice requirements, fairness, and the right to organize and challenge unlawful practices.
Sources
[1] https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-minnesota
[2] https://www.hemlane.com/resources/minnesota-rent-control-laws/
[3] https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/safety-inspections/rent-buy-sell-property/rent-stabilization
[4] https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/safety-inspections/rent-buy-sell-property/rent-stabilization/rules-processes
[5] https://www.doorloop.com/laws/minnesota-rent-control-laws
